The Men Who United the States:America's Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible

Simon Winchester

When we think of the men who created the United States, of course the Founding Fathers come to mind. But they aren't the ones that Winchester means in his newest book. Except during the Civil War, our vast country has been united while growing from 13 original states to 50. Laws and ideals obviously united us, but Winchester is looking at the more practical side of unification. He highlights explorers who brought new territory in, cartographers who mapped the travel paths, builders of roads and railways that connected the furthest reaches, and finally communications which allow all citizens to share a common experience.